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That's right. This is the only set Ditto needs to be effective competitively. It works best as your lead Pokemon, as the opponent will most likely switch after that, giving you a free turn to do whatever you want. Choice items aren't recommended, as Ditto could switch into anything, including support Pokemon that lack attacking moves. The nature might seem crazy, but is actually best, since the opposing Pokemon could have any nature, so a nature that effects the stats isn't the best choice. (If this doesn't apply and Ditto simply copies the opposing Pokemon's stats, ignore the last sentence, since I don't completely understand the mechanics of Imposter. HP is the only EV you need to invest in, since it is the only stat Imposter doesn't copy.

Counters
Team preview is probably Ditto's biggest downfall. More often than not, it will be the lead Pokemon, so you can exploit that to defeat it. Zoroark is arguably the best, as Illusion prevents Imposter from activating. If Ditto switches out, Zoroark can Pursuit Ditto, even though the move is rare on the Illusion Fox. Another way of messing around with Imposter involves Substitute and a Pokemon that can beat itself. The trick is to send in a Pokemon such as Volcarona with Hidden Power Rock on the predicted switch into Ditto. Ditto will transform into Volcarona. Since the opponent won't know what type of Hidden Power Volcarona is carrying, they'll most likely switch out. Then, Volcarona can use Substitute, or you can switch into a Pokemon carrying it, preferably a fast user such as Gengar, and use it on the next turn, so if Ditto switches back in, it will just have to switch back out again, or be OHKO'd.

All of the choices in italics, bold, and underlined are the pokemon I would like to be used the most.

Although, if possible, I would like the pokemon I've chosen to be used in their own special, due to the season. It's almost fall and most birds migrate south. I'm not sure if the birds these pokemon are based off of migrate though.

Ditto...*sigh* you can't do much, but you can make for an effective partner in Doubles/Triples when played right. Shedinja's 1 HP is useless and Shuckle and Dugtrio, likewise, have HP issues, but Ditto retains its own (often maxed out) HP upon using Transform, making them prime targets for the Move. Impostor is a great Ability, but in Multi Battles you may need to manually target a Transform for best results. Singles practically make Impostor a non-choice - they make it a near-must. However, Magic Guard does stop Impostor, so be careful with who you decide to switch into...

For EVs, always max out HP (since you'll copy every other stat) and Speed (to get a Transform in ASAP), pouring the rest into Attack (for Struggle).

Last edited by Kraleck; 9th September 2012 at 7:21 PM.
Reason: Fixed typo

With Ditto, the only choice you have is Items. Choice Scarf is used to always outspeed the pokemon you switch into, or at least speed-tie. Band/Specs is not recomended, due to not knowing your moveset. Life Orb can be used for switching moves. A focus sash works well if you have a good spinner. A Quick Claw is an interesting, yet working choice. Nature and EVs do not matter at all, except for HP. Always Max HP with Ditto. That is the only stat that matters.

Counters
Ditto literally has one possible set, item choice notwithstanding. You'd think that make it easier to counter right? ha, WRONG!. Well, sorta.
Ditto is weird pokemon, and you can't really counter it by definition. Rather than running pokemon to take it down reliably, you just need to think carefully about things, as you still have certain advantages over Ditto that you don't over normal pokemon. The biggest thing is that you know exactly what moves Ditto has, and thanks to Team Preview there are no surprises. It is worth noting that Ditto doesn't copy certain aspects. As you know it doesn't copy HP, and items but it also doesn't copy status effects. Ditto won't be able to abuse some strategies, like ChestoRest or Guts.
You always have a certain control over what you'll face with Ditto. Don't unleash that set-up sweeper just yet, unless you know you can counter/check your own pokemon. Try not to give him Sleep moves, Aromatherapy/Heal Bell, entry hazards and other things that Ditto can have fun with.

Oh, and Substitute. Imposter cannot copy through a Substitute, leaving Ditto as helpless as it was for the past 4 generations.

I vote for Arcanine. This classic get few new tools in Gen 5 like Close Combat and Wild Charge, changing his checks and counters and enhancing his viability.

Hey, a vote for next potw. What to choose? So much. Haxorus, hydreigon, dragonite, gastrodon, scrafty, archeops, skarmory, ect.(if you are reading this, you'll see I like dragons). Finally, I chose haxorus, since it was the first ev trained pokemon I ever did.

Which brings us to the special. Due to Ditto being so Ditto-esque, you all get to choose the Pokémon of the Week for the following week. Starters and Cover/Event Legends from each generation are disqualified. You may only vote for one Pokemon.

Go nuts

I vote Reuniclus. BTW, will I be allowed to change my mind later if I want?

Ditto was always that gimmick pokemon that was perfect for fanart and just fans in general because of its versatility to be whatever or do whatever, except in battle. Competitively, he was utterly useless because of his slow overall stats. Now, Ditto got the ultimate upgrade: Imposter. He can transform as soon as he gets sent in to battle. All of a sudden, Ditto is the most versatile pokemon to have ever existed; having him is like having a sweeper, supporter, and wall all rolled into one.
Now, a big problem with Ditto is the set. EVs, Nature, and move-set are all already decided; you just copy your opponent's one. But what item do you give it? The general consensus is that the Choice Scarf is necessary for Ditto to get anywhere, allowing for it to sweep. Others, including myself, think that this is too single-minded, and go for the Life Orb instead, granting you a power boost to potentially KO opponent's or the versatility to act as support, like setting up hazards or being a spinner.
However, his only strength is also his biggest weakness now. You will know how to beat your opponent's Ditto because it's the same pokemon as yours, which will most likely force a switch and the Ditto wouldn't have gotten anything done. Regardless, Ditto is a really cool pokemon, with a niche no other pokemon (if I know Gamefreak) will ever get.

...Except, I just realized, you get to choose the pokemon for next week. How about Garchomp, because of the potential de-ban?